Depression decisions — 2001

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for memory loss, depression, and PTSD due to his failure to report for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with these claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a heart condition and sleep disturbance, are denied as the evidence does not support a finding of an undiagnosed illness related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for major depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing medical records and a need for further evaluation by VA specialists.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected major depression with psychotic features, currently rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for female organ cancer was dismissed due to a lack of timely filing. The case regarding increased ratings and other issues is pending.

The veteran's service-connected major depression is productive of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 100 percent.

The veteran's low back and psychiatric disabilities were evaluated, but the evaluations did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The service-connected conditions are considered to be of direct service origin.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for depression, PTSD, or an eye disorder. However, the Board also noted that new evidence related to a possible stressor in service was relevant to the PTSD claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for secondary service connection for major depression and entitlement to a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability was not well grounded, and thus denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected PTSD with depression and alcohol/marijuana abuse is denied. The RO has assigned a 50 percent evaluation, effective October 1994.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's claimed depression and anxiety to his service-connected carcinoma of the larynx. The veteran was also denied increased ratings for nicotine dependence, peripheral vascular disease in both legs, and individual unemployability due to peripheral vascular disease.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling an appropriate hearing due to his health reasons. The service connection claim and the reopening of a previous claim are still pending.

The veteran's PTSD with depression has rendered him demonstrably unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection due to undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, as well as consideration of his claims based on VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis, right knee and an increased rating for depression of C5 with traumatic arthritis. The veteran was granted a compensable rating (10%) for his depression condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a personal assault during service and its impact on current psychiatric conditions. The veteran's claim for PTSD is reopened based on new evidence, but further development is needed to establish whether the claimed stressor occurred in service.

The veteran's service-connected major depression has been no more than moderately disabling, manifested by recurrent episodes of anxiety, difficulty associating with others, and difficulty sleeping. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, warranting a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability. The headaches and dizziness claim remains pending.